Publication

Abstract : pThe advent of modern technology brings in a world where individuals are replaced by machines. This creates identity crisis within each individual, which further contributes to psychological distress. Females are primarily the victims of such identity crisis in the modern world. Since women are the pillars of the future, their voice in the society turns out to be important. The advancement in science and technology hints that the novel also brings in elements of science fiction. The glimpses of journey motif make the main theme since the ‘escape’ of the characters gains significance through the travel narrative. The human psyche can be studied in an advanced way since the application of trauma studies makes room for an analysis of the psyche of an individual. . The research article entitled “Exposition of the Existential Angst and Psychological Distress in Manjula Padmanabhan’s Escape”, is a study on the existential angst and trauma faced by the characters especially females which further strengthens the ideas of a patriarchal society. This article also explores into the evil effects of the ultra-modern scientific development as well as it probes for the safety of females. The sexual abuse that women face in the contemporary society also gains prominence in the novel. The inter-mixing of science fiction with that of eco-feminism makes it a perfect blend. The tragic plight of the characters who are made ignorant by those in power is a yet another aspect that is studied upon. Above all the denial of human rights to suit the norms of those in power is clearly reflected in the novel. Such denial of human rights highlights the notion that the world that Padmanabhan brings in is a world that creates their own rules without abiding to the laws and principles of the society. The basic amenities and rights are denied in the world are also focuses upon. Manjula Padmanabhan’s Escape is studied as an ‘escape’ of the entire female race from a male dominated society where their existence itself is under threat. The novel also brings in hope since the ‘escape’ of the protagonist suggests a Utopian concept of a better world./p